high school project activities

These ideas can spur on more creative projects from young people.

Investigative ReporterStudents choose a local or national candidate and write an article for a newspaper detailing the candidate's stand on issues emphasized in the Bishop's statement. Or students choose a public policy issue and write an article for a newspaper detailing some the moral and ethical dimensions of the issue in light of Catholic social teaching.

Letters to the EditorStudents will write a letter to the editor of their local newspaper in support of a position on an issue related to Catholic social teaching and Faithful Citizenship.

Candidate LettersStudents will write a letter to a candidate requesting information on the candidate's stand on issues related to Catholic social teaching and Faithful Citizenship. Students report their findings to the class.

Video Commercials on a TopicStudents produce a commercial on a public issue, relating it to Catholic social teaching.

Champions of Life and DignityStudents may choose from among "champions" of human life and dignity, such as Blessed Oscar Romero, Dorothy Day, or Caesar Chavez and present to the class how these individuals "lived" Catholic social teaching by addressing social problems of their day. Students may choose to create posters or banners that are then hung around the school. These posters will connect the "champion" to contemporary issues in light of Catholic social teaching and the Bishop's statement.

Prophets of a New WorldStudents studying the Old Testament will select an Old Testament prophet and apply their cause to the political issues facing our country today. Students will research the issues the prophet was responding to in their day, the challenges they faced, and the ways in which a similar call to holiness is needed in our world today.

Radio CommercialStudent can develop a 30 second radio commercial using Catholic social teaching to advocate for a particular stand on a public issue of importance today. Students record their commercial onto one CD in a class and everyone can hear them. They can also be played over homeroom announcements before/during food drives, etc.

Campaign AdvertisementStudent will design an ad campaign to "sell" a theme of Catholic social teaching, including a catchy phrase/symbol/picture on poster and bumper sticker.

Power Point PresentationLead the class in a "learn then share" setting by having students create a PowerPoint presentation on an issue, a theme of Catholic social teaching, or a candidate in the election. As a class, students could also create a PowerPoint presentation outlining the Faithful Citizenship document (with sections divided among small groups), which they could then present to another class, at a school assembly, or even for a local parish.

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